DONALD BYRD: BYRD'S WORD -DIGI [NEW CD]

Before making his mark with several fine Blue Note albums from the late ‘50s through the ‘60s, trumpeter Donald Byrd got his start with several blowing dates for Savoy, Prestige, and a few other independent labels. "Byrd’s Word" (Savoy Records MG-12032) was one of his earliest albums as a leader, and fi nds him in the company of Basie alum and tenor saxophonist Frank Foster, pianist Hank Jones, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Kenny Clarke. “If I Love Again”, which completes the session but was only originally issued on a 1955 Savoy LP titled "Montage" (featuring various artists), has been added here as a bonus, as well as a complete quartet session taped by the trumpeter the following year (including a different version of “If I Love Again”).